Assessment Item Specialist, Science

About the Role

Play a key role in expanding Newsela's item bank by creating high-quality, inquiry-based science assessments. Leverage your scientific expertise to develop rigorous, standards-aligned content that supports educators and student success nationwide, with the flexibility of a freelance contract.

Responsibilities

• Create original, standards-aligned Science assessment items, tasks, and stimuli mapped to NGSS or state-specific standards.
• Transfer and format existing Science assessments and items from district and state sources into the Formative platform.
• Produce and configure technology-enhanced items (TEIs) within the platform, ensuring accurate metadata tagging and flawless technical functionality.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of Science content for bias, scientific accuracy, and editorial standards.
• Validate content alignment and cognitive rigor by evaluating the Depth of Knowledge (DOK) for assessment items.
• Provide expert feedback on content tools and item bank features to improve development workflows.

Requirements

• At least one year of direct experience writing and reviewing Science assessment items on a commercial scale (e.g., EdTech company, testing vendor, educational publisher).
• Comprehensive understanding of educational assessment design (formative, common, summative).
• Deep familiarity with NGSS and state-specific science frameworks, with proven ability to apply strict standards alignment principles.
• Mastery of rigor and Depth of Knowledge (DOK) for classifying and creating items.
• Prior experience authoring technology-enhanced items (TEIs) and navigating digital assessment platforms.
• Thorough grasp of established style guides, best practices, fairness, bias, and accessibility.
• Proven track record of delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines with meticulous attention to detail.
• Legally authorized to work in the US.

About the Team or Role Impact

This project-based freelance role offers the flexibility to work remotely while contributing to a platform that is a staple in K-12 digital learning. Your work directly supports academic success in classrooms nationwide by ensuring students have access to high-quality, data-informed instruction.